As a child, one of the first things that were taught to us was to draw a line. Drawing a perfectly straight line or a beautiful curve held so much importance and is one of the first milestones we achieved as a kid. Did you know, a perfect line holds a lot of importance for artists? well, now you certainly will, after knowing about a completely new art form of line drawing!
WHAT IS LINE ART?
Line drawing or line art can be explained in a simplified way by saying that it is a form of art made out of symmetry of lines, straight or curved, depending upon the pattern being followed. The use of a single color is more prominent than the use of multiple colors, still, they may be used in some artworks exceptionally. It can be used to represent two-dimensional or even three-dimensional objects, by differentiating in the techniques. Cartoon making, caricature art and illustrations are quite closely related to this form of art. However, shading and shadow effects are not necessarily a part of this form of art as it mainly focuses on expressions of distinct lines and curves.
TYPES OF LINE ART
BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING
This is one of the most intriguing types of line art. As the name suggests, in blind
contour drawing, you cannot see. Sound surprising, doesn't it? But it is the actual
test of not just your artistic skills and focusing capabilities, but also how deeply
and soulfully you feel about art. It helps one develop the sense of observing an
artwork so closely and in such minute details that one needn't look up, the hands
develop the sense too. It is a very difficult practice and takes years of training and
practice for the perfect art.
GESTURE DRAWING
Also called movement drawing or timed art, this is the type of artwork which
ends in seconds and hence, is obviously fast-paced. Fast, impulsive lines are
drawn so as to match the imagination in your mind. But, by impulsive, it does not
mean random at all. This is where a true artist's skills come in limelight, when, in a
few seconds, a masterpiece is created with just some fast-paced strokes. This
type of line drawing also helps in noticing minute corners in a short span of time.
CONTINUOUS DRAWING
This sounds quite similar to gesture drawing, but it has varied differences. The
primary feature, or rather, condition of this type of line art is that one is not
supposed to lift up the drawing instrument before the drawing is complete. This
is one of the most challenging art forms but it has a peaceful and soothing side
of its own. It is also therapeutic to let your hands and fingers flow in directions they
choose spontaneously.
Here is a glimpse on how to paint abstract acrylic painting?
CROSS CONTOUR DRAWING
Cross contour drawing is the type of line art where lines run parallel across each
other from a distinct point, forming a pattern, shape or figure. The point from
which the lines arise might be central or anywhere else depending upon the
artist's wish. This practice can contribute a lot in building hand strength and
control. This is also a type of art form which is used to create three-dimensional
drawings.
PLANAR ANALYSIS ART
This art type can be called, metaphorically, the x-ray of art references. Geometric
drawings, cubism and abstract art can be very closely related with this. The basic
concept behind this type of artwork is explaining the in and outs of a three
dimensional reference into a flat plane surface with the help of lines. This helps a
great deal in developing a better understanding about viewing art from different
perspectives.
FAMOUS NAMES IN LINE ARTISTRY
PABLO PICASSO
ANDY WARHOL
DAVID HOCKNEY
LEONARDO DA VINCI
AARON EARLEY
PETER ROOT
MAURIZIO ANZERI
So what are you waiting for, artistic minds? Grab your instruments, all it takes is just a few strokes, or maybe, just one!